Angered that her sister Celia has stolen her fiance, Dell Faring kills her and allows Celia's husband David, knocked out in an argument with Celia, to take the blame and end up on death row. Later Dell, finding out that David's young daughter Susan was witness to the crime and is undergoing psychiatric treatment, plans to eliminate her before her memory returns.
SHADOW ON THE WALL is an excellent psychological thriller, notable for fine performances and stylish cinematography by Ray June.
Susan (Gigi Perreau) has repressed the traumatic memory of seeing her stepmother (Kristine Miller) killed by her aunt (Ann Sothern). Consequently Susan's adored father David (Zachary Scott), who was unconscious at the time of his wife's death, is convicted of the murder based on circumstantial evidence. Child psychiatrist Dr. Caroline Canford (Nancy Davis, later known as Nancy Reagan) works against time to uncover Susan's memories before David is put to death for the murder.
Gigi Perreau is quite remarkable as young Susan, and Nancy Davis does an outstanding job as the patient, professional doctor who slowly realizes Susan's father may not be a murderer. Scott, who sometimes played oily types, such as the villain in THE SECRET OF CONVICT LAKE (1951), is rather heartbreaking here as the man who realizes his lovely wife's infidelity and later must deal with the pain of being separated -- probably forever -- from his beloved daughter.
...
One scene, with a sedated child left alone in a hammock in a hospital bathtub, is jarring simply because it would never happen in today's safety-conscious (not to mention litigious) world. In that particular case progress would seem to be a good thing!
Gigi Perreau was born in 1941 and appeared in her first film, MADAME CURIE, before she was two years old. Her second role was playing Gloria DeHaven as a toddler in TWO GIRLS AND A SAILOR (1944). Gigi was part of a family of child actors which included sisters Janine and Lauren Perreau and brother Gerald Perreau, who was also billed in some films as Peter Miles (THE RED PONY). The siblings sometimes acted together in varying combinations in films such as SONG OF LOVE (1947), ENCHANTMENT (1948), FAMILY HONEYMOON (1949), and WEEK-END WITH FATHER (1951). One of Gigi's best-known films was MY FOOLISH HEART (1949). Fans of THE BRADY BUNCH may remember her as Greg's teacher in a memorable episode which also featured L.A. Dodgers star Wes Parker.
Re: [REL] Shadow on the Wall (1950)
Posted: Fri May 27, 2011 5:23 am
by FLL
Gigi Perreau has about 35% screentime and does a good job. The scene mentioned in RFF is pretty short.
Future US First Lady Nancy Reagan nee Davis played a major role as a psychologist trying help Gigi, which was interesting to me since I can't remember seeing any her work.
Thanks FLL. I did a good search for this and couldn't find it. A SATrip? I did find past listings of this being played on MGM channel. I have MGMhd now and will keep an eye out for future broadcasts.
I love these type of movies and great timing right after the Driftwood release.
Re: [REL] Shadow on the Wall (1950)
Posted: Fri May 27, 2011 3:53 pm
by kev
I love these old b&w movies!
Many thanks, FLL!! 35% screentime of Gigi Perreau is worth the d/load time and space for this movie.. (IMO, of course.. )
[Image]
Almost 'Natalie Wood-ish'
[Image]
*sigh* ...Daddy, daughter time...
Thanks again, FLL for bringing this here!
kev.
Re: [REL] Shadow on the Wall (1950)
Posted: Fri May 27, 2011 8:49 pm
by popdrome
Very nice... agree with kev 100% THANKS
Re: [REL] Shadow on the Wall (1950)
Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2011 3:15 pm
by ARTHORIUS
Thanks for find this
Re: [REL] Shadow on the Wall (1950)
Posted: Fri Nov 27, 2020 12:43 am
by Phuzzy4242
Upgrade to 720x480 with English & Spanish subs.
Spoiler:
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